Which Elan (SE or S2)?

[Alsie50]

Hello
Looking to buy an Elan which I have wanted to do for years,I have about 5/6K to spend and i would just like to have a few opinions SE or S2
I've have a good read though this forum and really can't make my mind up which way to go, so any input would be greatly received

Cheers Alan

[inkitin]

Personally, I wouldn't worry for one second whether it was an SE or an S2. They're all great cars.

I would concentrate far more on getting the very best car you can find for your money.

[nicowalker1]

Personally, I wouldn't worry for one second whether it was an SE or an S2. They're all great cars.

I would concentrate far more on getting the very best car you can find for your money.

I agree! Also with that budget you should fine a really good example, just view plenty and don't rush.

[Jeemy]

Goes without saying, if you possibly can, buy through LEC or from an LEC or other Lotus club member.

The people on here have so much knowledge, compared to the people who've owned an Elan for 10-20 years and kept it clean but not much else, and lets not even mention the sellers on eBay verging on the criminal.

The way the market is, for your budget, via here you'll get a car which has had loads of essential, tricky maintenance performed, together with some possibly costly upgrades, for the same as you'd pick up a car whose only selling point is how shiny its been kept by the dealer/seller.

There's loads to look out for and its been gone over in detail in other similar posts so spend some time reading around, the Wiki especially will give you a good, quick overview of work and maintenance you should expect to have been done.

[Jeemy]

Case in point: viewtopic.php?f=49&t=23212

[paulous]

Case in point: viewtopic.php?f=49&t=23212

My advice would be the same…

1) Do lots of research , and you’re already in the very best place for that, i.e. LEC.
2) If possible buy from someone on LEC
3) Buy a car that has good history , with all of the common issues dealt with, money already spent on sensible upgrades etc.

My personal preference was the S2 , because I liked the wheels and I assumed that buying a slightly newer car was a better option, but now being slightly older and Elan wiser I’d there’s not a lot in it and really I’d say the history of the car is more important than simply SE v S2.

When I bought my car I definitely followed my own advice on 1) & 3) and I partially followed 2) . Now subsequently I’m looking to sell my car having spent a lot in the last couple of years adding to 3) !

I’m honestly not just saying this because I’m considering selling my car , but I would genuinely recommend sourcing a car from an LEC member, be it me or anyone else. Hence why I’d put mine up for sale on here before considering advertising it anywhere else.

Cheers,

Paul

[Alsie50]

Thanks folks taking all your comments on board,I had guessed this was the best place to buy from so will keep a close eye on the for sale section.
Any more comments more than welcome
Cheers Alan

[Rice crispy]

Alan, where are you? Sure someone close will be willing to help
David

[Alsie50]

Hi David

I'm in the north of the country above Newcastle i have a picture framing business in Morpeth i am on ebay as carlon100 (may help prove to people i am real and genuine), my interest has mainly been motorcycles,I ride modern but have 2or3 old ones.
The reason i have started to look at a Lotus more seriously is in that my son is in process of learning to drive with a test in the next couple of weeks,hopefully he will pass>> but then i will loose my current car.
Cheers Alan

[Enright]

It's worth putting your location in your profile so that people can see it if/when you contribute to other threads.

[Alsie50]

Done that Neil also put my Birthday on so people know when to buy presents

[Jeemy]

Lets hope for a big parcel about 4m x 2m! Failing that, there is the silver one in Glasgow, not too far a stretch, I could meet you to look at it, but I know the seller and there are no worries on the asking cost.

Thread here: viewtopic.php?f=49&t=22458&hilit=glasgow

[Alsie50]

Hopefully but I'll not bank on it! Have to admit I do find myself drawn towards bright red early ones but not totally ruling out other colours,as I said earlier buy date depends on my son passing his test on the 29th May so don't really want to lead anyone on in case I have to wait for second test date think you may have to wait a month ? Not sure used to be so.
If you are ok with this I am happy to know what's available,for my own info I rang my insurer to get some costs and to my total amazement the guy said there will be a three pound reduction in your premium at the moment I have 09 reg Toyota aygo insured so I'm looking at £170 a year pleased with that
More later cheers Alan

[GeoffSmith]

Done that Neil also put my Birthday on so people know when to buy presents

STAKEFORD! Do you know Paul Dixon? For the sake of the LEC regulars, not Dico!

Drop Dave Hall in Whitley or Mike Younger in Beamish a PM.

[Alsie50]

Would that be Paul Dixon the dental nurse if so yes but not intimately mind good family friend and great laugh

[GeoffSmith]

Unless he looks like Brendan Healy... it's probably the wrong one.

Back on topic, Dave and Mike are fairly close to you, knowledgeable and well worth having a chat with. Although it pains me to suggest it, Dave may be interested in selling his well sorted yellow one.

[Alsie50]

In that case i guess not the Paul i know is agay dental nurse working in Hull at the moment,now my comment will make sense !
have made contact with Dave in Whitley Bay just down the road.

Cheers Alan

Thats very strange this site wont let me type the word gray turns it to gray in preview so have had to put miss space

[DeeAitch]

Alan's Son passed his test last week so I am now an ex M100 Elan owner!
Alan is a top guy and I hope he gets as much support from LEC and joy from the car as I have had over the last 11 years, M100 Elans are simply stunning cars but sadly for me, no more
A big thanks to everyone on here for all your assistance over the years you are a bunch of top guy's and this Forum must be one of the best out there.
A big thanks also goes to all those who have supported my shortshift project over the years. I am proud to leave this as my legacy to the M100 community. Thanks even to the one or two who tried to sabotage it, you actually inspired me to see it through to what it is today, having handed over the design to the capable hands of Brit Car Nut.
If you don't already have one fitted I urge you to get one ordered from him - you don't know what you are missing so get one now!
Off now to enjoy my Sofa on Wheels and who knows, get my +2 up and running again
I might even find some motivation for another M100 project!

I'll continue logging on here from time to time as I do enjoy some of the banter!

Best regards to you all and happy Elan-ing
Oh, and BB - one day I will get the money you owe me!

[GeoffSmith]

Thank God for that. We've got shot of him.....

[Enright]

Good luck DeeAitch - hope it's not the last we see of you.